Deck lid lock



Nov. 2, 1954 T. vlGMosTAD 2,693,099

DECK LID Loox I INVENToR. Bf?! '7 NOV. 2, 1954 T V|GMO5TAD 2,693,099

DECK LID LOCK Filed Feb. 2, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 i. EE- ff' IN VEN TOR. 7;;951/6 fed n B DECK LID LOCK 'Trygve Vigmostad, Detroit, Mich., .assignor to Briggs This invention relates to an improved self-locking Ikey operated latching mechanism of the type which .1s particularly but not exclutively adapted for latchmg an automobile rear deck lid in closed position.

An object of the invention yis to provlde an improved latch mechanism for a closure member, such as an automobile swinging rear deck lid, wherein by action vof a movable actuating member or striker engaging a fixed portion of the automobile body as the lid is swung closed, a latch member on the closure is positively shifted into latching position to engage a fixed keeper on the body.

Another object is to provide a latch mechanism of the foregoing nature wherein the latch member and 'a second actuating member or shiftable member on the support are operatively coupled to move in unison, the latch member moving toward or vfrom latching position upon corresponding movement of the shiftable member toward -or from an intermediate position adjacent the latter members limit of movement in one direction, the shiftable member being disposed in a locking position between said limit of movement and intermediate position when the latch member is in latching position and being controlled by key actuated means for movement from the locking position.

By the foregoing construction, the latch member is automatically shifted into latching engagement with the first named actuating member or keeper upon closure States Patent O of the lid. Thereafter attempted movement of the latch 1 member from latching position will simultaneously move the second named actuating member or shiftable member in the direction from the intermediate position to the adjacent limit of movement at which further unlatching movement is blocked. Upon key controlled movement of the shiftable member in the other direction from its limit of movement, the latch member will momentarily move further into latching position until the shiftable member reaches its intermediate position. Thereafter, continued movement of the shiftable member in the same direction away from the intermediate position will move the 'latch member from the latching position.

Another object is to provide such a latch mechanism wherein the striker is provided with a blocker portion movable therewith into opposing relation to latching movement of the latch member when the latter is in unlatched position, thereby avoiding breakage of the latch member by attempted closure of the lid when the latch member is in latching position.

Another object is to provide a latch mechanism of` the foregoing character having improved simplified key operation effected by an improved employment of resilient means yieldingly urging the latch member from latching position and simultaneously urging the shiftable member toward its limit of movement as aforesaid to' prevent accidental unlatching movement. By key operation of the shiftable member to move the same in an unlocking operation from said limit of movement and r past the aforesaid intermediate position, the resilient means acting on the latch member serves to aid unlatch` shiftable member past its intermediate position from the adjacent limit of movement thus serves as a trigger opera- 2,693,099 Patented Nov. 2, 1954 tion, releasing the latch member for resiliently urged movement to unlatched position. However, when 'the latch member is in latched position, 'by virtue of its coupling with the shiftable member whereby the latter is urged to said limit of movement -upon attempted movement of the latch member Vfrom -latching position, a's aforesaid, the two resilient means act in cooperation to Iprevent accidental unlatching movement.

Still another Objectis to provide improved key actuated rotatable cam means for operationo'f the shi-fta-ble member and disposed `to block movement of 'that mem-ber in one direction at its aforesaid limit o`f movement adjacent its intermediate position, said means having 'a cam portion rotatable to a blocking position, when the shiftable member is adjacent said limit of movement, to block movement of the 'shiftable member in the 'other direction from said limit of movement and being also rotatable from blocking position and engageable with the` shiftable member to move 'the latter in said other direction from the limit of movement. Y

Other objects of this invention Will `appear in the following description and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

Fig. l is a fragmentary vertical section through a latch mechanism employed with an automobile rear deck lid, 'taken longitudinally of the vehicle body in the direction of the arrows substantially along the broken line 1--1 of Fig. 2. A l

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary vertical .section taken in the direction of the arrows substantially along the line 2 2 of Fig. l. Y

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing the latch mechanism in unlatched condition. y

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken in the direction of the arrows substantially along the broken line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken in the direction of the arrows substantially along the broken line S--S of Fig. 2. l,

It is vrto be understood 'that the invention is not limited in its application to the details yof construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried outin various ways. Also it is to be understood that the .phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Referring to the drawings, a latch mechanism embodying the present invention is illustrated mounted on a swinging rear deck lid of an automobile, which may be of conventional construction comprising inner and outer panels 10 and 11 joined along a lower overlap flange 12. The latter is adapted to abut a cushioning strip 13 upon closure of the lid and is retained in a channel molding portion 14 which extends along the lower edge of the rear deck opening and comprises welded together marginal portions of inner and outer body panels 15 and 16.

The llatch mechanism is housed within a box-like support comprising forward and rearward plates 17 and 18 having marginal side flanges 19 and 20 respectively, the latter telescoped within the former. The plates 17 and 18 are secured together and to the inner deck lid panel 10 by a pair of transversely spaced upper bolts 21 and nuts 22 and by a pair of transversely spaced lower bolts 23 and nuts 24, Figs. l, 2, and 3. Mounted on the upper bolts 21 and spacing the plates 17, 18 are a pair of guide bushings 25. Similarly spacing the plates 17, 18 are a pair of bushings 26 mounted on the lower bolts 23, Fig. 5.

Pivoted on the bushings 26 are a pair of swinging latch members 27 and 28, the former disposed rearward of the latter. The latch members 27,V 28 are provided with depending jaws or keeper engaging portions 27a, 28a respectively which extend through corresponding openings 29 and 30 in the bottom of the box-like support 17, 18 and panel 10 to permit swinging of the latch members to and from latching positions, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 respectively. Extending generally toward each other and radially inward from the pivots of the latch member 27 and 28 respectively are integral arms 31 and 32 spaced ICC by and pivotally connected to the upper portion of an intermediate striker 33 by a pivot pin 34. The lower portion of the striker 33 depends slidably through a bottom opening 35 in the support 17, 18 intermediate the openings 29 and 30.

By the foregoing structure, the latch members 27, 28 and striker 33 are coupled for operation in unison, the latch members moving to and from latching position in unison with corresponding movement of the striker upward or downward, the latters lower limit of movement being determined by shoulders 33a thereof which engage the bottom flange 20 of the support 17, 18 adjacent the opening 35. Also projecting laterally from the striker 33 is a blocker element 36 disposed to move into opposition to latching movement of a cooperating projection 37 of the latch member 28 when the striker 33 is moved to its lower limit of movement, Fig. 3. By virtue of this structure, the latch members cannot be accidentally swung to latching position below the striker when the latter is at its lower limit of movement. A precaution against damage to the latch members by attempted closure of the lid with the latch members in latching position is thus afforded.

In order to permit vertical swinging of the pivotally connected latch arms 31, 32, the pivotal connection at 34 preferably atfords a limited extent of lost motion transversely for these arms 31, 32, Fig. 5. Likewise the pivot hole for the pin 34 in the striker 33 is slightly elongated vertically to afford limited lost vertical motion for the striker 33 with respect to the latch members 27, 28, Figs. 2 and 3, so as to permit clearance of the blocker projection 36 from the path of the projection 37 in a selflatching operation as discussed below.

Self-latching of the latch mechanism upon closure of the deck lid 10, 11, is accomplished by means of a bracket 38 adjustably secured to the inner body panel 15 by bolts 39 passing through oversize holes 4t) in the bracket 38 and retained by nuts 41. Integral with the bracket 38 and aligned with the striker 33 to be engaged by the latters lower projection upon closure of the lid 10, 11 is a keeper projection 42. Accordingly upon downward closure movement of the deck lid toward the keeper 42, with the latch members 27, 28 in unlatching position and the striker 33 in its lowermost position, Fig. 3, the lower end of the striker 33 will engage the upper portion of .the keeper 42. Upon continued closure movement, the

striker 33 will be retained by the fixed keeper, permitting the latch projection 37 to move below the blocker 36, whereupon at the limit of lost motion permitted by the pivotal connection at 34, the arms 31, 32 will be swung upward relative to the support and the keeper engaging latch portions 27a, 28a will be swung toward each other below the keeper 42 into latching engagement therewith.

Locking of the latch members 27, 28 in latching position is readily accomplished by key controlled means includes a generally vertically shiftable element 43 rnovable between the guide bushings Z and pivotally connected at its lower end to one end of a pitman 44 and to one end of a swinging guide link 45 by means of a pivot pin 46, Fig. 5, located above the pivot 34, Figs. 2 and 3. The other end of the guide link 45 is pivotally connected to the plate 18 at 47 above the pivot 26. The other end of the pitman 44 is pivotally connected to a generally radial extension 48 of the latch member 28 by a pin 49 disposed above the pins 23 and 34 on a line extending between these pins and perpendicularly to their line of centers, Figs. 2, 3, and 5.

The body of the shiftable element 43 is provided with a comparatively large aperture 50 within which a rotatable cam 51 operates. The latter depends from an integral hub portion 52 journaled at its front and rear ends within the plates 17 and 18, Fig. 1, and splined on a coaxial shaft 53 which projects rearward through an opening 54 in the outer deck lid panel 11 into a tumbler housing 55 for a key operated tumbler mechanism 56. The housing 55 is suitably secured to the panel 11 by a plurality of screws and serves as a handle for raising the deck lid from closed position. The tumbler mechanism S6 may be conventional and is operated by insertion of a key 58 to rotate the shaft 53. The latter is also provided with a movement limiting projection 59 which turns within the opening S4 and abuts sidewall portions thereof to limit clockwise turning at a locked position, Fig. 2, and counterclockwise turning at an unlocked position, Fig. 3. This operation of the shaft 53 and tumbler 56 may be conventional and is accordingly not discussed in further detail.

The upper portion of the opening 5@ comprises a bay or recess 60 dimensioned to receive the hub 52 and to limit downward movement of the eement 43 by engagement between the upper edges of the recess 60 and hub 52 when the latter is in the locked position, Fig. 2. Upward movement of the element 43 from its lowermost position is blocked by a projection 51a of the cam S1 which extends in the locked position angularly downward to the left and terminates in overhanging relation above an inward projection or shoulder 61 of the adjacent sidewall of the opening 50. A slight clearance is provided between the shoulder 61 and overhanging extremity of the projection 51a to permit counterclockwise swinging of the latter from its locked position overhanging or blocking upward movement of the shoulder 61. Thus upon counterclockwise movement of the cam 51, the shoulder 61 is cleared for upward movement of the element 43, which is effected by a second cam projection 51b extending to the right in Fig. 2 and underlying a mating loulder 62 of the element 43 at the mouth of the recess As may be observed in Figs. 2 and 3, the pitman 44, guide link 45, and pivot pins 46, 49, 47 and pivotal mounting 26 of the latch member 28 are disposed so that when the element 43is at its lowermost limit offtravel, the pitman 44 will be slightly above a position of perpendicularity to the path of theelement 43. Attempted unlatching movement of the members 27, 28, i. e. counterclockwise swinging of the member 28, will thus impart a thrust along the pitman 44 having a downward component directed to the shiftable element 43 through the pivot 46. Inasmuch as further downward movement of the element 43 in the locked position is prevented by engagement between the upper edges of the recess 60 and cam hub 52 as aforesaid, unlatching movement of the members 27, 28 is positively prevented. Conversely, during the initial upward movement of the element 43 from its locked position, Fig. 2, effected by counterclockwise rotation of the cam 51, for example. the latch members 27, 28 will be swung toward the keeper 42 until the element 43 reaches a position intermediate its upper and lower limits of travel and adjacent the latter whereat the pitman is perpendicular to the path of the element 43. Upon continued upward movement of the element 43, the pivot 49 will swing downward or counterclockwise, causing the keeper engaging portions 27a, 28a to swing away from the keeper 42 and to the unlatching position of Fig. 3 in the same time that the cam 51 rotates to the unlocked position and the element 43 rises to its uppermost position.

In order to facilitate key operation of the cam 51 and to hold the latch mechanism against accidental unlatching movement from the latching position of Fig. 2, coil 'springs 63 and 64 engaged under tension with the striker 33 and element 43 respectively are mounted on retainer brackets 65 and 66 respectively lanced from the left side of the plate 1S. One end of the spring 63 presses outwardly against the adjacent sidewall flange 20 and the other end terminates in a hook portion 63a engaged in a notch 67 in the top ofthe striker 33 so as to press downward thereon. One end of the spring 64 similarly presses outwardly against the adjacent sidewall ange 20 and the other end terminates in a hook portion 64a engaged in an opening 68 in the element 43 so as to press downward thereon.

The springs 63 and 64 are substantially identical in the present instance and are under comparable tensions when the latch mechanism is in the latching condition of Fig. 2. In this condition the springs 63 and 64 act in cooperation to urge the element 43 yieldingly downward toward its lower limit of movement at the locked position. The application of the spring 64 in this situation is believed to be obvious from Fig. 2. The spring 63, pushing downward on the striker 33, tends to urge the latch member 28 counterclockwise or toward unlatching position, whereby the pitman 44 is urged leftward in Fig. 2 and slightly downward to cooperate with the dforce of the spring 64 urging the element 43 downwar In the latter regard, it is to be noted that the links 44 and 4S are both substantially perpendicular to the initial movement of the element 43 from the locked position, Fig. 2, whereby the element 43 is guided in a substantially vertical path of movement and the vertical component of force of the spring 63 directed through the link 44 against the element 43 is approximately a minimum. Accordingly the initial key operation of the cam 51 rotating the same counterclockwise from locked position-is opposed approximately solely by the spring 64. Conversely, by virtue of the great leverage afforded the spring 64 against force directed along the pitman 44, a comparativelyv slight tensionin the spring 64 will hold the element 43 'against an enormous force applied through the latch members 27, 28 tending to move the element 43 upward from the locked position.

As key operation of the cam 51 moves the element 43 upward from the locked position of Fig. 2 past the aforesaid adjacent intermediate position of perpendicularity to the pitman 44, the direction of the force of the spring 63 acting along the p'itman 44y is reversed, so as to oppose the spring 64 and urge the element 43 upward. The increase in the tension of the spring 64 as it tightens is thus counterbalanced, permitting actuation of the cam 51 in response to substantially uniform torque applied at the key 58. As the element 43 moves upward from its aforesaid intermediate position, the pivot 46 swings upward over the pivot 49 which in turn swings counterclockwise in unlatching direction as discussed above, causing the pitrnan to approach a position of perpendicularity to the arcuate movemeiit'of the pivot 49. As a result, the leverage afforded to the spring 63 resisting downward force of the spring 64 directed through the pitman 44 increases enormously, until finally the spring 64 is overbalariced. The latch members 27, 28 then spring to unlatching position, driving the element 43 simultaneously to its uppermost unlocked position, Fig. 3. In the latter position, the pitman 44 is substantially perpendicular to the arcuate movement of the pivot 49, so that a comparatively slight tension in th spring 63 will positively maintain the latch members in unlatching position against the force of the spring 64.

Summarizing the operation of the present invention, the shiftable element 43 and latch members 27, 28 are operatively coupled for moving in unison, reach with the other, the movement of the shiftable element 43 being toward or from an intermediate position adjacent its lower limit of movement in unison with corresponding movement of the keeper engaging portions 27a, 28a in latching or unlatching directions toward or from the keeper 42. In the latching position, the shiftable element 43 is at its lowermost limit of movement, so that attempted movement of the latch members from latching position, i. e. fromy the keeper 42, tends to drive the element 43 downward and is thus positively blocked. Likewise, in the latching position, attempted movement of the keeper engaging portions 27a, 28a more closely to the keeper 42 isopposed by the spring 64 acting with great leverage` as well as by the cooperating spring 63 opposing latching'movement of the latch members 27, 28 at all times. Also in the latching position, accidental upward movement of the element 43 from its lowermost locked position is blocked by the camprojection 51a overlying the shoulder 61. v

Upon key operation of the cam 51, the projections 51a and 52b rotate counterclockwise in unison, Fig. 2, so that as the projection 51b underlying the shoulder 262 elevates the element 43, the projection 51a will swing clear of the shoulder 61, permitting continued key actu-.

ated upward movement of the element 43. During this initial upward movement, the latch members 27, '28 swing toward the keeper 42. As the pitman 44 passes its position of perpendicularity to Ithe path of ,the element 43 at the latters intermediate position adjacent the lower limit of movement, the direction of force exerted on the element 43 through the pitman 44 reverses and opposes the spring 64. Simultaneously the latch members reverse their directions of swinging movement and swing away from the keeper 42. Thereafter, upon con tinued key operated unlatching movement, the leverage afforded to the spring 63 opposing the spring 64 increases to the extent that the latch mechanism is sprung freely to unlatching position, Fig. 3, and is surely held thereat. In thissame movement, the striker 33 is forced downward with respect to the support 17. l1,8, moving the deck lid upward from .the keeper 42 and interposing the blocker 36 in the path of latchingmovement of the latch projection 37. Accidental movement of the latch members to latching position and breakage thereof vat lthe element 43 down.

that position-by attempted closure of the lid are thus avoided.

Upon closure of the deck lid,A thestriker 33 at its lowermost positionl iirst engages the keeper y42 and by virtue `of the lost motion affordedat the pivotal-connection 34., is moved upward relative to continued closure movement of the lid so as to .clear the blocker '36 from the'path ofthe latch projection 37. Continued closure movement of the lid, raising the pivot 34, causes the latch members 27, 28 to swing toward latching position. Simultaneously, lthe clockwise movement of the pivot 49 swings the guide link 45 counterclockwise and draws The latter 4in turn swings vthe cam 51 and shaft 53y clockwise to locking position by engawmentof the shoulder 62 with the cam projection-SIb. Finally, as the pitman 44 approaches a position of perpendicularity to the downward movement of the element 43, the'spring 64 overbalances the spring 63. Themechanismsprings to -latching position, and is surely held by the dual springs 63, 64' cooperating with each other, as at the start of the cycle. It isto be observed that the employment of the dual springs as discussed assures optimum leverage for each -spring when its action is most required. Accordingly springs 63 and 64 of minimum initial tension may be employed, minimizing the torque required to be exerted by the key to unlock the mechanism, yet achieving positive locking action and surely and effectively holdingA the mechanism either in the latching or unlatching condition as required.

I claim:

1. In a `latch mechanism for a closure member, a

Ysupport .mounted `on the closure member, a latch member,

movement, and means connecting thev latch memberl andl locking element for moving the'former toward or from its latching position in unison with shifting of the locking element respectively toward or from a position intermediate-said limits and adjacent the limit in one direction.

2. In a latch mechanism for a closure, supporting means, a latch member pivoted intermediate its ends on the supporting means and 2comprising a plurality of arms, one arm terminating in `a latch portion engageable with a keeper, a shiftable actuating member pivoted to `a second arm of said latch member and shftable in one direction by engagement with a fixed member uponclosing movement of the closure to swing said latch 'member and move said latch portion into latching position with respect to said keeper. a second shiftable actuating `.member mounted on the supporting means for movement in a predetermined path, a link pivotally connecting said second` actuating member with said latch member, said link in the latched position of said latch member extending in a locking position approximately perpendicularly to the path of movement ofthe second actuating member, and means for shifting said second actuating member and thereby swinging 'said link out of said locking position.

3. In a latch mechanism for a closure, `a latch .member pivoted on die closure and engageable in latching position with a fixed keeper whentbe closure is in closed position, a shiftable striker engageable with a xedstructure to be moved thereby in lone direction upon move- .ment of the closure to closed position and being pivotally connected to the latch member to swing the same to latching position upon said movement, a shiftable actuating member, and means comprising a link pivotally connected at opposite vends to said members respecing the latch member from latching position including a shiftable member, a link pivotally connected at opposite ends to said latch member and shiftable member, and means for shifting said shiftable member, said link extending approximately perpendicularly to the path of movement of its pivotal connection with said shiftable member and approximately tangentially to the arc of movement of its pivotal connection with said latch member when the latter is in latching position.

5. In a latch mechanism for a closure, a latch member pivoted on the closure and engageable in latching position with a fixed keeper when the closure is in closed position, a shiftable striker engageable with a iixed structure to be moved thereby in one direction upon movement of the closure to closed position and being pivotally connected to the latch member tol swing the same to latching position upon said movement, spring means yieldingly urging the striker toward its limit of movement in the opposite direction to swing the latch member from latching position and tensioned to hold the striker at said limit of movement, a shiftable actuating member, means comprising a link pivotally connected at opposite ends to said members respectively to swing the latch member from latching position upon shifting of said actuating member in a predetermined direction, means for shifting said actuating member in said predetermined direction, and second spring means yieldingly urging the actuating member oppositely to said predetermined direction.

6. In a latch mechanism for a closure member, a support mounted on the closure member, a latch member, a shiftable locking element mounted on the support for reciprocating movement between predetermined limits of movement, and means connecting the locking element and latch member to move the latter toward latching position in unison with shifting of the locking element in either direction toward a position intermediate said limits of movement.

7. In a latch mechanism for a closure member, a support mounted on the closure member, a latch member, a striker shiftably mounted on the support and engageable by a iixed member to be shifted thereby upon movement of the closure member to closed position, means connecting the striker and latch member effective to move the latter to latching position upon the aforesaid shifting of the striker, a shiftable locking element mounted on the support for reciprocating movement, means connecting the locking element and latch member for movement in unison and arranged to move the latch member toward or from a latching position in unison with movement of the shiftable element respectively toward or from an intermediate position adjacent the elements limit of movement in one direction, the shiftable element being disposed at its limit of movement adjacent the intermediate position when the latch member is in latching position, resilient means urging the shiftable element toward its aforesaid limit of movement, and additional resilient means urging the latch member from latching position and tensioned to hold the latch member yieldingly in unlatched condition in opposition to the tension of the rst named resilient means.

8. In a latch mechanism, a support, a shiftable unlocking element mounted on the support for movement to and from a limit of movement, a latch member pivoted on the support, means to eiect movement of the shiftable element and latch member in unison including a swinging guide link element pivoted on the support and also including a connecting link element pivotally connected to the latch member, one of said three elements being pivotally connected to the other two and said elements and latch member being disposed to swing the latter in directions from or toward unlatching position in unison with movement of the shiftable element respectively toward or from an intermediate position adjacent said limit of movement, the latch member being disposed in latching position when the shiftable element is at said limit of movement, and a rotatable key operated means vmounted on the support in blocking relation to movement of said shiftable element from said limit of movement, said rotatable means including cam means engageable with the shiftable element, the cam means being disposed in one position to block movement of the `shiftable element from said limit of movement and being rotatable from said one position and engageable with the shiftable element to move the same from said limit of movement.

9. In a latch mechanism, a support, a shiftable unlocking element mounted on the support for movement to and from a limit of movement, a latch member pivoted on the support, means to eiect movement of the shiftable element and latch member in unison including a swinging guide link element pivoted on the support and also including a connectinglink element pivotally connected to the latch member, one of said three elements being pivotally connected to the other two, the latch member being disposed in latching position when the shiftable element is adjacent said limit'of movement.

l0. In a latch mechanism, a support,.a swinging latch member pivoted on the support and having a portion extending radially from the pivot axis, a key operated shiftable element mounted on the support to move toward or from a limit of movement, means to effect movement of the shiftable element and latch member in unison including a swinging connecting link element pivotally connected to said extension and also includinga swinging guide link element pivoted on the support, one of said three elements being pivotally connected to the other two, said elements and latch member being disposed to swing the latter in directions from or toward unlatching position in unison with movement of the shiftable element respectively toward or from an intermediate position adjacent said llimit of movement, the latch member being disposed atlatching position when the shiftable element is at said limit of movement.

ll, In a latch mechanism for a swinging closure, a support mounted on the closure, a latch member pivoted on the support, a shiftable striker mounted on the support and operatively engaged with the latch member to swing the same to and from latching position upon corresponding movement of the striker from and to a projecting position, the striker in the projecting position being engageable with a iixed structure and shifted thereby from projecting position relative to the support when the closure is swung to its closed position, the engagement between the striker and latch member alfording limited loss motion therebetween, and a blocker carried by the striker and movable therewith into opposing relation to latching movement of the latch member upon movement of the striker to the projecting position, thereby to block movement of the latch member toward the latching position when the striker is in the projecting position. j

12. In a latch mechanism for a closure member, -a support mounted on the closure member, a latch member, a striker shiftably mounted on the support and engageable by a fixed member to be shifted thereby in one direction relative to the support upon movement of the closure member to closed position, means connecting the striker and latch member effective to move the latter to latching position upon the aforesaidv shifting of the striker, and a blocker carried by the striker and movable therewith in the otherdirection into opposing relation to latching movement of the latch member, the striker member having limited lost motion for limited movement in said one direction independently of the latch member to move the blocker out of said opposing relation upon the aforesaid engagement between the striker and xed member when the closure member is moved to closed position.

13. In a latch mechanism for a swinging closure, a support mounted on the closure, a swinging latch member pivoted on the support and having a portion extending radially from the pivot axis, a key operated shiftable element mounted on the support to move toward or from a limit of movement, means to effect movement of the shiftable element and latch member in unison including a swinging connecting link element pivotally connected to said extension and also including a swinging guide link element pivoted on the support, one of said three elements being pivotally connected to the other two, said elements and latch member being disposed to swing the latter in directions from or toward unlatching position in unison with movement of the shiftable element respectively toward or from an intermediate position adjacent said limit of movement, the latch member being disposed at latching position when the shiftable element is at said limit of movement, a shiftable striker mounted on the support and projecting into position to engage a fixed structure and to be shifted thereby relative to the support when the closure-is swung to its closed position,

and means connecting the striker and latch member eective to swing the latter into latching position upon the aforesaid shifting of the striker.

14. In a latch mechanism for aclosure member, supporting means mounted on the closure member, a latch member mounted on the supporting means and movable toward or from latching position, a shiftable locking element mounted on the support and shiftable between predetermined limits of movement, means connecting the latch member and locking element for moving the former toward or from its latching position in unison with shifting of the locking element respectively toward or from a position intermediate said limits and adjacent the limit in one direction, the shiftable element being disposed at its limit of movement adjacent the intermediate position when the latch member is in latching position, resilient means yieldingly urging the shiftable element toward its aforesaid limit of movement, and additional resilient means yieldingly urging the latch member from latching position and tensioned to hold the latch member yieldingly in unlatching condition in opposition to the tension of the rst named resilient means.

15. In a latch mechanism, a latch member movable to and from a latching position, an actuating member shiftable in a predetermined path, a pitman connecting said members to move the latch member toward said latching position upon movement of the actuating member in either direction toward an intermediate position adjacent the limit of movement of said actuating member in one direction, resilient means yieldingly urging the latch member from the latching position, and key operated means engaged with said actuating member to move the same toward its limit of movement in the other direction.

16. In a latch mechanism, a support, a shiftable member mounted on the support for reciprocating movement, 35

a latch member pivoted on the support, a pitman connecting said members to swing the latch member from an unlatching position in unison with movement of the shiftable member in either direction toward an intermediate position adjacent the limit of movement of the shiftable member in one direction, and key operated means for moving said shiftable member toward the limit of movement of the latter in the other direction.

17. In a latch mechanism, a support, a shiftable unlocking element mounted on the support for reciprocating movement, a latch member pivoted on the support, means to effect movement of the shiftable element and latch member in unison including a swinging guide link element pivoted on the support and also including a connecting link element pivotally connected to the latch member, one of said three elements being pivotally connected to the other two and said elements and latch member being disposed to swing the latter in directions from or toward unlatching position in unison with movement of the shiftable element respectively toward or from an intermediate position adjacent the limit of movement of the shiftable element in one direction, the latch member being disposed in latching position when the shiftable element is at said limit of movement.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 441,674 Kubler Dec. 2, 1890 1,098,601 Wardroper June 2, 1914 1,238,152 Kelloniemi Aug. 28, 1917 1,430,176 Miller Sept. 26, 1922 2,224,671 Crooks Dec. 10, 1940 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 42,177 France Mar. 7, 1933 84,928 Austria July 25, 1921 

